U.S. senators rescind support for Medal of Freedom for Paterno

U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania said in a statement Thursday they have rescinded their support for the nomination of Joe Paterno for the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

They issued the following statement:

"In light of the recent events in State College, we are rescinding our support for the nomination of Joe Paterno for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. We hope the proper authorities will move forward with their investigation without delay. Penn State is an important institution in our commonwealth. We should turn our attention to the victims of these atrocious crimes and ensure they get the help they need. Our hearts and prayers go out to them and their families."

U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard Township, nominated Paterno for the honor last August and 16 Pennsylvania representatives, most of the state delegation, supported it at the time.

A Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday shows a very slight uptick in the percentage of Pennsylvania voters who have a favorable opinion of the late football coach whose reputation was put through the ringer over the past year and a half from the Jerry Sandusky scandal. The poll found 47 percent of those surveyed have a favorable take on Paterno, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.